HEPA stands for
High Efficiency Particulate Air filter.
HEPA filters (High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters) are specialized air filters designed to capture extremely small particles from the air. They’re widely used in air purifiers, HVAC systems, hospitals, cleanrooms, and other environments where air quality is critical.
It is a type of air filter designed to trap very fine particles from the air. A true HEPA filter can capture at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size, including dust, pollen, mold, smoke, and some bacteria.
They work by using a dense mat of fibers that trap particles through diffusion, interception, and impaction.
👉 Uses:
- Air purifiers and HVAC systems
- Hospitals and clean rooms
- Vacuum cleaners
- Aircraft cabins
What HEPA Filters Do
HEPA filters trap:
They’re made of a dense mat of fibers (often fiberglass) that captures particles through diffusion, interception, and impaction rather than by simple sieving.
🔹 Efficiency
To qualify as true HEPA, a filter must meet the following standard:
There are also HEPA-like or HEPA-type filters that don’t meet this standard — they’re less effective.
Structure: Made of very fine, randomly arranged fibers forming a dense mat.
Air Quality: Provides medical-grade purification (used in hospitals, labs, clean rooms).
Applications: Air purifiers, hospitals, aircraft cabins, vacuum cleaners.
Cost & Maintenance: More expensive, need replacement at proper intervals.
🔹 Normal Filters (like coarse or medium filters)
Efficiency: Capture only larger particles like hair, lint, and visible dust.
Structure: Less dense mesh (foam, mesh, or fabric type).
Air Quality: Basic dust protection; cannot trap allergens, smoke, or microbes.
Applications: Household AC filters, car air filters, basic ventilation systems.
Cost & Maintenance: Cheaper and washable (in many cases).
👉 Main Difference:
Normal filters protect equipment (like AC units) from dust, while HEPA filters protect people’s health by removing microscopic pollutants.
HEPA filters are classified by their filtration efficiency – how well they capture very fine particles.
🔹 H10 – H12 (EPA/Medium Efficiency)
Efficiency: 85% – 99.5%
Use: Basic air cleaners, household purifiers.
Example: Good for allergies and general dust removal.
🔹 H13 (True HEPA)
Efficiency: 99.95%
Use: Medical facilities, clean offices, higher-end air purifiers.
Example: Captures almost all fine dust, pollen, bacteria.
🔹 H14 (Medical/Ultra HEPA)
Efficiency: 99.995%
Use: Hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical production, clean rooms.
Example: Traps even viruses and ultra-fine particles.
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👉 In short:
H10–H12 = Medium grade (for homes, general use).
H13 = High grade (true HEPA, health protection).
H14 = Ultra grade (used where ultra-clean air is critical).
🔹 Common Uses
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Air purifiers (home and office)
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HVAC systems
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Medical and laboratory cleanrooms
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Vacuum cleaners
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Aircraft cabin filtration
🔹 Maintenance
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HEPA filters cannot usually be washed (unless specifically labeled washable).
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They should be replaced every 6–12 months, depending on usage and environment.
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Clogged filters reduce airflow and efficiency.
🔹 HEPA vs. Other Filters
| Filter Type | Efficiency | Typical Use |
|---|
| HEPA | 99.97% @ 0.3 µm | Medical, cleanrooms, purifiers |
| MERV 13–16 | 75–95% @ 0.3–1 µm | HVAC systems |
| Activated Carbon | Adsorbs gases/odors | Combined with HEPA for better air quality |
| ULPA (Ultra-Low Penetration Air) | 99.999% @ 0.12 µm | Pharmaceutical & semiconductor industries |
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